“Ishiguro is probably my favourite contemporary author and I highly recommend all of his books. Never Let Me Go is one of his better-known novels and it’s also my favourite! It’s quite sad but it’s also intensely beautiful and thought-provoking.”
– Recommended by Alex Southgate, Pearson Stream mentor

“The book follows four characters from various backgrounds who come together and form a bond in 1970s India. The writing is exquisite in its simplicity, the plot is gripping, and the characters will hang with readers long after they’ve finished the final pages.”
– Recommended by Amy Kalbun, Pearson Stream mentor

“This is an auto-biography from the fourth century CE occurring in North Africa. Augustine retells his sinful and unethical youth, then transitions to his discovery of Christianity, which he credits with saving him from his deplorable actions and instead urging him to spread God’s message. Whether Christian or not, this story promulgates a powerful lesson applicable to us today: regardless of your past decisions, what truly matters is how you learn form them in order to make better decisions in the present and ultimately future. There is always hope!”
– Recommended by Jeremy Rizzetto, Frye Stream mentor

Louise Glück’s poetry sparkles, ignites, and inspires. The simultaneous clarity and dreamlike quality of her writing astounds me and makes me want to be a better writer. These are poems you want to copy and paste all over your life. Faithful and Virtuous Night is a winner of the 2014 National Book Award for Poetry.
– Recommended by Annie Truuvert, Vic One Assistant

“Inferno is a fictional thriller. It tackles the debate of overpopulation through an exhilarating art history mystery. It also focuses on the issues and consequences scientific discoveries and theories come with. This novel has something for everyone!”
– Recommended by Denisa Popa, Vic One Assistant

“Thinking about life after school? Do you feel that you have the practical knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the real world? Probably not, none of us do, sadly, and it takes years of trial and error to learn it all. Set yourself up for success with this helpful survival guide designed specifically for young adults ready to make their mark in the world. Topics include buying a car, filing your taxes, renting apartments, your rights as a tenant, understanding your pay statement and even buying a home. You’re probably tired of textbooks, but if there’s a book worth reading while you sip that cup of coffee, it’s this one.”
– Recommended by Lylah Khan, First-Year Liaison Officer

“All right, let’s go around in a circle. Everyone say your name and one fact about yourself!”

Cue the existential crises.

Introductions can be overwhelming when you’re still figuring out who you are. Remember that everyone in first year feels the way you do – everyone is scared, and everyone is still trying to figure out what they’re doing (no matter how put-together and prepared they may seem).

The first few weeks of university are special. You can start fresh and introduce yourself to as many people as you want. Going up to random groups of people in the dining hall or at activities is normal, and very welcome. You may never have this opportunity again, so make sure you take advantage of it!

The following are some of my favourite inspirational quotations that relate to meeting new people, beginning a new chapter in your life, and simply being yourself. Hopefully, they’ll inspire you to make the most of the first chapter of your university experience!

Scare the world: Be exactly who you say you are and tell the truth. Iain Cain Thomas

There’s a lot of unspoken pressure to keep liking the things you used to like and to keep dressing the way you’ve always dressed and to never question what you believe in, and basically “be yourself” has slowly morphed into “be what everyone knows you as,” but trust me when I say if you just give it up and simply make decisions and take actions based purely on what would make you happy, you’ll gain a very comforting sense of self peace. anonymous, tumblr.com

An amazing thing happens when you stop seeking approval and validation: You find it. People are naturally drawn like magnets to those who know who they are and cannot be shaken! Mandy Hale,Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass

See the light in others, and treat them as if that is all you see. Wayne Dyer

Take wrong turns. Talk to strangers. Open unmarked doors. And if you see a group of people in a field, go find out what they are doing. Do things without always knowing how they’ll turn out. You’re curious and smart and bored, and all you see is the choice between working hard and slacking off. There are so many adventures that you miss because you’re waiting to think of a plan. To find them, look for tiny interesting choices. And remember that you are always making up the future as you go. Randall Munroe

Believe in anything. Believe in everything. Open every book and look around every corner. You’ll never look like this or move like this or think like this again. Enjoy it while it lasts or hate every second. But feel. Feel every damn thing. M.S.at absurdology.tumblr.com

For what it’s worth: It’s never too late to be whoever you want to be. I hope you live a life you’re proud of, and if you find that you’re not, I hope you have the strength to start over. Scott Fitzgerald

The Vic One summer advising session will be held on Wednesday, July 13th, from 2 to 5pm in Northrop Frye Hall room 003 to answer all of your questions and give you an opportunity to meet your professors and peers!

All Things Vic One

Facebook: Join our Facebook Groupand get to know some of your fellow Vic One students!

Email

Vic One E-Mentors: Our Vic One mentors are knowledgeable, responsible and approachable upper-year students who were in the Vic One program in their first year. Stay tuned for a link to more information.

Victoria College Writing Centre:Regardless of what stream you’re in, learning how to write at a university level is key to your success, and the writing centreis a place to help you get to that level. I highly recommend booking an appointment this summer, bringing in one of your high school papers (hard copy) and having a writing instructor go over it so you know what to work on before September. But book early because appointments go fast!

Academic Success Centre:I’ve heard too many stories about upper-years discovering the ASC in their final year and wishing they had come across it earlier on. Whether it’s through a workshop or an individual appointment, they can help!

Frosh Week: Orientation Week or Frosh, takes place a week before university starts, and is filled with fun activities to get to know your fellow students. Students love it, so be sure to sign up when registration opens!

FASt Answers: If you have questions, chances are, other people have asked them before. Check out FAStanswers, direct from the Faculty of Arts and Science.

askastudent: Similar to FASt, but way, way sassier. askastudent not only covers concerns about university affairs from the Faculty of Arts and Science, but the professional faculties as well, student life, high school admissions, and others. It’s for students, by a fellow student, and it makes for a entertaining read even if you don’t have questions.

Koffler Student Services: You can visit the Student Life centre, drop by the U of T Book Store, then go upstairs to the Health&Wellness Centre, all in one trip!

And there you have it! Most (if not all) of the key resources you’ll need for your first year of university. Hopefully this helps sort things out!